You are legally entitled to a basic bank account. You are not required to provide utility bills or have a fixed address.
You Have the Right to a Basic Bank Account
- You do not need to provide utility bills.
- You do not need to have a fixed address.
Banks Legally Required to give a Basic Bank Account
- Barclays UK
- The Co-operative Bank
- HSBC UK
- Lloyds Banking Group (including Halifax and Bank of Scotland brands)
- Nationwide Building Society
- NatWest Group (including RBS and Ulster Bank brands)
- Santander UK
- TSB
- Virgin Money (formerly Clydesdale & Yorkshire Bank)
Important Law Change
- The law changed in September 2016.
- Some banks might not know about this change.
- Some banks might not want to give basic bank accounts because they can be costly for them.
What to Do if You Have Problems
- Tell the bank the law changed in September 2016 and it is part of the EU Payment Accounts Directive.
- Banks must offer basic bank accounts (without overdrafts) to anyone living legally in the EU.
Exceptions
- People with criminal convictions for fraud cannot get a basic bank account.
Need Help?
- You can use a template letter to give to the bank that has all the information you need.
If you have any issues opening a bank account, please contact the Friends, Families and Travellers national helpline on 01273 234 777 and we will be happy to help out.
Correct as of June 2024.
